A good way to use some of the leftover ham is to add it to a Spinach Frittata (see recipe). Serve the spinach-laced egg dish with deli carrot salad and toasted whole-wheat English muffins. Top leftover pound cake with a dab of chocolate ice cream for dessert.

‘Tis the season for soup, and (canned) Lentil Soup fills the bill. Add a can of any reduced-sodium white beans (rinsed) and some chopped leftover ham to boost the flavor. Thin with water as necessary. Serve with a packaged Caesar salad and crusty bread. Sprinkle fresh pineapple chunks with toasted shredded coconut for dessert.

Plan ahead: Toast enough coconut for Saturday.

2/9

Chili Friday

This Black Bean and Turkey Chili With Coriander (see recipe) was created by Atlanta chef Nancy Waldeck, who creates flavorful (and always healthful) recipes that are also delicious. Serve it with a sliced avocado and lettuce salad and cornbread (from a mix). Vanilla pudding made with 1 percent milk is dessert.

To make the meal special, serve with your garlic mashed potatoes and fresh broccoli. Add a Boston lettuce salad and baguettes. When you top scoops of pineapple sherbet with fresh or thawed mango chunks and sprinkle with leftover toasted coconut, you have unique pineapple sundaes for dessert.

Susan Nicholson is an Atlanta-based cookbook author and registered dietitian. She can be reached by email: susan@7daymenu.com. The Menu Planner is also accessible at 7daymenuplanner.com. Check out Susan’s ebooks. “7-Day Menu Planner: Spring,” “7-Day Menu Planner: Mid-Winter Repasts” and “7-Day Menu Planner: The Holiday Season” are available at online retailers. And “7-Day Menu Planner for Dummies” is on shelves now.

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